Stewart, Walter (1756-1796) to Horatio Gates
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00657 Author/Creator: Stewart, Walter (1756-1796) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter Date: 12 October 1777 Pagination: 3 p. ; 24.6 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Later copy. Copied 23 May 1860 for Joseph Willard, Esq., by George [H.?] Moore. Stewart, aide-de-camp to General Gates, offers an account of the Battle of Germantown. Mentions Generals Anthony Wayne, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, Edward Stevens, and Alexander McDougall. Writes, "...everything appeared in our favour when the unfortunate retreat took place, which cannot yet be accounted for; it is left on General Stevens, who certainly gave the Orders to the left wing." Reports that Stevens has been suspended, and a court of inquiry, with Lord Stirling (William Alexander) presiding, is investigating the case. Has heard a report from Miss Lucy Lenard that British General James Grant was mortally wounded and General James Agnew was killed in the Battle of Germantown. Notes that Lenard heard British officers say Germantown was "... the severest blow they had yet met with, 'twas plann'd with judgment, executed with spirit, and they can't tell why we left it unless for want of ammunition." Notes that Continental troops plan on advancing toward Philadelphia the same day or 13 October.
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